NMDA Journal Summer 2019

30 New Mexico Dental Journal, Summer 2019 Obituary Irene Navarre, one of the founders of the University of New Mexico, Di- vision of Dental Hygiene passed away this past February at the age of 101. Irene graduated from the University of Minnesota dental hygiene program in 1938 and soon moved to California where she practiced dental hygiene and taught at the University of Southern California. She moved to Albuquerque over 50 years ago to help start the dental hygiene program at UNM. Irene was married to Dr. Harry Navarre, who was an Albuquerque oral surgeon. Dr. Navarre, a leader of the New Mexico Dental Association, and Irene met at the Sunport on the day of Irene’s arrival to New Mexico, as he was also active in starting a dental hygiene program at UNM. Irene was instrumental in starting the New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada Dental Hygienists´ Associations, and was always active in the American Dental Hygienists´ Association (ADHA), serving as a trustee as well as president in 1964–1965. She still is the only ADHA president from New Mexico. She was proud to have helped change the scope of dental hygiene in the early days, to include subgingival scaling, as she stated this change enabled dental hygienists to further attain oral health for their patients. She was a staunch supporter for prevention and always re- minded dental hygienists to continue this focus. Irene embodied so many qualities that made her a natural leader in dental hygiene. She worked diligently to ensure the growth of dental hygiene, which included moving to New Mexico, to make sure we had a program in our state. She had wonderful long-term relationships with her patients and students alike and mentored dental hygienists from around the world-literally. She has two awards in her name at the University of New Mexico, Division of Dental Hygiene. One monetary award is given each year to an entry-level graduating senior to recognize outstanding skills and leadership potential. Additionally, an advancement award is given to a graduate student who is likely to advance the profession of dental hygiene in the future. She also lived a very full, balanced life and was a member of the P.E.O., Chapter AX, the Green Garden Club, the Tin Lizzies, The Scandinavian Club, and a long time Professional Registered Parliamentarian. Her motto was to be the best dental hygienist you can be and I know those of us, who were fortunate enough to have her as a mentor, teacher, friend and/or colleague agree that she always did just that. She will be missed. Those wishing to honor Irene Navarre may do so by sustaining the program she created with a donation to the Irene Navarre Legacy Fund at the University of New Mexico. Checks payable to the Irene Navarre Legacy Fund may be mailed to UNM Foundation, 700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Two Woodward Center, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Irene Navarre, RDH August 2, 1917–February 13, 2019